Study: NH students rank among top in math, science

Staff Report

CONCORD — A new study ranks New Hampshire students among the top math and science performers in the nation and the world.

The National Center for Education Statistics conducted a study comparing results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress and the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study as a way to determine the international competitiveness of American students in the two areas.

.By comparing Grade 8 results in mathematics and science from the 2011 NAEP tests to the 2011 TIMSS assessment, the center was able to compare students in each state academically with their peers in 38 countries and nine other educational systems...In mathematics, New Hampshire eighth-graders placed 10th internationally and fifth among states.

Students from South Korea were first, followed by Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Japan, and then the states of Massachusetts, Vermont, Minnesota, New Jersey and New Hampshire.In science, New Hampshire eighth-graders were ranked seventh internationally and third among states.Students from Singapore were first, followed by Massachusetts, China, Vermont, South Korea, Japan and then New Hampshire..."This is an affirmation of the continued efforts of K-12, public schools to improve instruction in mathematics and science in the State of New Hampshire," Department of Education Commissioner Virginia Barry said. "But we need to also recognize the increasing competition that a worldwide economy poses for our students and families, and we must continue to work hard to ensure rigorous, college-and-career-ready standards prepare our young people for the innovation economy of the 21st century."

For a more complete description of the study, visit the New Hampshire Department of Education NAEP page: education.nh.gov/instruction/assessment/naep/index.htm and follow the links to the 2011 NAEP-TIMSS Linking Study, Results and Methodology...